In other news, I simply MUST tell you about my latest venture! Nine days ago I started the Body by Vi 90 day Challenge. What is that, you ask? Why, thanks for asking! Let me fill you in! This is a weight loss/fitness challenge via Visalus, the new company I just signed on with. It basically consists of replacing 1 to 2 meals per day with a shake made from their "shake mix that tastes like cake mix". 100's of shake recipes can be made with this shake mix base. And guess what? They really ARE yummy!
I admit, I was very skeptical at first. My friend was signing up and had a challenge party in which we could taste the product. I am EXTREMELY picky with tastes so I didn't get my hopes up. But it delivered! I actually love them! Secondly, I was doubting that they would do the trick. I literally have no will power and munch a lot, especially late at night while I'm working. (I type that as I'm munching on popcorn.) I was told that if I didn't want to, I didn't have to change what I was eating OR exercise and I could still lose weight/inches. Excuse me? Ever heard of "if it's too good to be true, then it must not be true"? Apparently, this health shake whips your body back into shape by whipping your body's functions back in line with the way they are supposed to work. It is designed to burn fat while building lean muscle. It's supposed to help with suppressing your appetite and give more energy. I was told that once the product was in my system that I would no longer crave the bad foods such as sweets and would want to actually eat healthier. Too Good To Be TRUE, right?!
So what's my verdict?
Well, IT DOES WORK! I am 42 years old and need to lose over 100 lbs. I love the taste of the shakes.
During my first 3-4 days I was already noticing a difference- no not weight loss- a bit too soon to check that. But, I could tell that I wasn't craving my M&M's, I was snacking but not in the usual quantities and I seem to be getting full faster when I do eat. I have tried several flavors and now actually look forward to shake time. I have only exercised (walked) twice over the past 8 days, and even though I am adding more water, I have not altered my diet.
I did lose 2 lbs over the first 7 days but am waiting to do new measurements after the 2nd week. I do know that I'm feeling better and I don't feel like I'm depriving myself so it doesn't feel like a diet, which is awesome!
The other things I need to mention are the ingredients needed for the shakes and the cost. Yes, the shake mix can be mixed in just water alone. It tastes perfectly fine that way- just not as yummy of course. You could also add fruit to the water based shake. Water based obviously is best if you have any problems with dairy products, because most people (including myself) prefer mixing it with a milk base. You can choose a low-fat or skim milk or the Silk brand milks. A lot of us are using the Silk Almond milk in original, vanilla or dark chocolate. We also add in frozen/fresh fruit, cookies, peanut butter, pretty much anything you'd like to flavor. You can also use the jello pudding mixes and add in a spoonful. As for cost, it is $49 to do 2 shakes per day for 15 days or 1 shake per day for a month. Or you can do 2 shakes per day for a month for $99. I personally don't think that's too expensive. I'm replacing meals, so what I would have spent on eating lunch most days covers my 2 shakes. But, we all like to have friends lose weight with us to make it more fun and hold us accountable so if you get 3 friends to sign on with you, then you can get your shake kit for free. As long as you have 3, yours is free. Can't beat that! So yes, the kit and milk and ingredients add up, but well worth it. Especially when you do consider you're not paying a gym fee, you're not paying for lunch out every day and you can cut back on a portion of the groceries that you personally won't need.
So, my review of my 1st week on Visalus is a double thumbs up! If you want an easy way to lose weight/inches/sizes.... then this is the way to go!
Here's one of the 100's of recipes you could try:
Let's do this!
Amy
